Medicare

Medicare, explained in plain English.

Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Part D, without the late night TV pitch.

A happy senior couple
The basics

Medicare is four letters. A, B, C, D.

Together they cover hospital, doctor, advantage bundles and prescriptions. Each has its own rules.

When you turn 65 you have a seven month Initial Enrollment Period centred on your birth month. Get it right the first time and you save thousands over the next two decades. Get it wrong and you may pay lifetime penalties. I will walk you through the right sequence.

The pieces

Four building blocks, one strategy.

You do not need every part, but you do need to choose. Here is how the pieces fit together.

Original Medicare, Part A

Hospital coverage. Premium free for most who paid Medicare taxes for 40 quarters. Covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing and hospice.

Original Medicare, Part B

Medical coverage with a standard monthly premium, higher for high income. Covers doctor visits, outpatient services and preventive care.

Medicare Advantage, Part C

A Medicare approved carrier bundle replacing Parts A and B, usually including Part D. Often $0 premium with extras like vision, dental and fitness.

Medigap, Supplement

Pairs with Original Medicare to cover the 20% Medicare does not. Higher monthly premium, lower bills at the doctor. Best for frequent users of care.

Part D, prescriptions

Standalone drug plans for those staying on Original Medicare. I match the formulary to your actual prescription list.

Questions

Plain answers, plain English.

Need a specific answer? Text (561) 225-6361.

When can I enroll?

During your Initial Enrollment Period, the seven months around your 65th birthday, the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, or a Special Enrollment Period after a qualifying event such as a move.

Advantage or Supplement, which is better?

It depends on health, doctors, budget and risk tolerance. Advantage has lower premiums but more rules. Supplement has higher premiums but freedom to use any doctor who accepts Medicare. I will model both for your situation.

Can I switch later?

You can switch between Advantage plans yearly during AEP. Switching from Advantage to Supplement is harder: outside your initial guaranteed issue window you may need to medically qualify.

Do you charge for Medicare consultations?

No. Medicare agents are paid by carriers and follow strict CMS rules. We are held to higher disclosure standards than most insurance categories.

Is my doctor in the network?

For Advantage plans I check before recommending. For Supplement plans network is not a factor: any doctor who accepts Medicare accepts your Supplement.

Next step

Get the right sequence the first time.

One call, your doctors and your prescription list, and a comparison you keep whether or not you enrol with me.